It's Halloween and young trick-or-treaters are often so excited by the fun that they forget to follow regular safety rules. Here are a few tips to help keep youngsters safe.
Children:
- Never trick-or-treat alone. Always walk with an adult or a group of friends.
- Make sure you can be seen. Wear reflective, bright colour costumes, or fasten reflective tape to your costume or bag. Avoid masks that restrict your vision.
- Only visit well-lit houses.
- Don't go into the house for your treats; always wait outside.
- Don't eat any treats until an adult has inspected them.
- Carry a flashlight so you can see where you are going.
- Don't criss-cross the street or run out from between parked cars. Always go down one side of the street, cross at the corner, and then go down the other side.
- Watch for cars pulling out of driveways and backing up.
- Watch for open flames from jack-o-lanterns and displays.
- Don't trample through gardens or bushes. Always use pathways and sidewalks.
Motorists:
- Halloween means there will be children on the streets. Drivers need to use extra caution. With the excitement of Halloween, children may forget simple pedestrian safety rules.
- Drive slowly in residential areas where children are more likely to be trick-or-treating. Reduce your speed and stay alert.
- Slow down and proceed with caution when entering and exiting driveways or backing up.
Homeowners
- Keep your home and doorway well lit. Clear sidewalks and pathways for safety.
- Avoid using open flames in any displays.